October 30, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Leslie Unger - (310) 247-3000
                        lunger@oscars.org

Beverly Hills, CA - Paul and Chris Weitz, who have helped bring several recent comedy hits to the big screen, will deliver the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' Jack Oakie Lecture on Comedy in Film on Thursday, November 13, at 8 p.m., in the Academy's Samuel Goldwyn Theater. In addition to commentary from the third-generation filmmakers, the evening will feature numerous film clips.

The Weitz Brothers directed and wrote the screenplay adaptation for "About a Boy." Their directorial debut was "American Pie" and they served as executive producers for the two follow up installments, "American Pie 2" and "American Wedding." "Antz" and "Madeline" are among the brothers' other screenplays.

Paul Weitz graduated from Wesleyan University with a degree in film. During his last year there, his play "Tango Tea" was produced off-Broadway with Marisa Tomei and Rob Morrow at New York's Ensemble Studio Theater. EST also produced his next works, "Captive" and "All for One." Chris Weitz earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in English literature at Cambridge University. He worked as a journalist for several newspapers in the U.K. and U.S. before starting to work in film with his brother.

Fabled agent Paul Kohner was grandfather of the brothers and their parents are fashion designer /writer John Weitz and Oscar-nominated actress Susan Kohner.

The Jack Oakie Lecture on Comedy in Film provides an opportunity for established filmmakers to share their experiences and to discuss the specific challenges and delights of the comedy film genre. The lecture is named in memory of the comic and character actor, born a century ago on November 12, 1903, whose career included vaudeville, Broadway musicals and eighty-seven pictures, most of them comedies or musical comedies.

Tickets for the Jack Oakie Lecture on Comedy in Film featuring Paul Weitz and Chris Weitz are $5 for the general public and $3 for Academy members and students with valid identification. They may be purchased in advance beginning November 3 at the Academy during regular business hours, by mail, or on the night of the event, if still available, when the doors open at 7 p.m. The Academy is located at 8949 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills. For more information call 310-247-3000, ext. 111.